Page 31 of A Storybook Wedding

“No. I just never let loose,” I admit. “And to answer your question, no, I am not currently dating multiple someones. Or even one someone. I am single and proud.”

“Is that right?”

“Indeed,” I nod.

“Well, you’re fun. I’m sure you’d make some lucky guy very happy if you ever decided you wanted that in your life.”

“You make me sound maudlin. Like some spinster or like I’m half-dead. What about you, Pen? Why are you single?”

He shrugs. “It’s been a weird couple of years for me.”

“Do you think your success has changed you?”

He swallows, considering the question. “I’m sure it has. I mean, I think underneath it all, I’m still the same guy though. I don’t know. It’s nice to have money, but nothing comes without a price.”

“Like the events.”

“Exactly. Readings and signings aside, I will say that tonight was my first and last time doing karaoke.”

“At least you got a shirt,” I remind him.

“That’s true.”

“Is everything weird now?” I ask. “Because we made out?”

Nate laughs and shakes his head. “We did not make out, CJ. Believe me, if I made out with you, you wouldn’t want to be single anymore. But our karaoke exchange didn’t mean anything. I mean, of course it didn’t. We’re colleagues, right?”

My pulse is thumping in my neck. I wonder if he can tell. “Right.”

“Maybe it was your twisted version of research. You know, like the karaoke.”

I make a face. “My God. You act like a girl never kissed you before.”

“Do I? Truth is I can’t keep the ladies off me. I usually carry a baseball bat.”

I sip my latte and give him a sideways scowl.

“Can I be honest? Or should I wait until you sober up some more?”

Something grabs my stomach and twists it just a little. “You can be honest.” I swallow.

“I’m glad you came out tonight.”

I nod. “Me too.”

“I don’t have a lot of writer friends.”

“Really? But you’re Nate Ellis.”

He emits a deep, gratifying sigh. “That’s actually really irrelevant.”

“Well, I’m glad I came out tonight too,” I say.

“We should do it again sometime.”

“The karaoke?”

“No. Just this part.”

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